The Argentine icon will play his last World Cup in Qatar.
Mauricio Pochettino believes Lionel Messi needs the World Cup title to further establish his place among football’s greatest names.
Having won eight Ballon d’Or trophies throughout his career, Messi is widely considered among the best-ever footballers.
During his years at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, he has claimed 11 domestic league titles and four Champions League trophies.
Last year, Messi finally claimed his first major international trophy by leading Argentina to the Copa America title.
As Albiceleste prepare to kick off their World Cup campaign in Qatar, Pochettino backs his countryman to complete his trophy cabinet by winning the tournament.
“Like [Diego] Maradona or Pele, you need to confirm with the trophy,” Pochettino told The Athletic. “When you lift the trophy, it’s like, ‘okay, he is the best in the world.’
“It is the only thing missing for Messi, to lift the World Cup, and I hope in Qatar that it happens.
“Because I am Argentinian, and of course my desire is for Argentina to win the World Cup, and to confirm Messi is one of the best, in the same place as Maradona and Pele.”
Argentina smashed the United Arab Emirates 5-0 in their last friendly ahead of the World Cup on Wednesday. Messi and co will take on Saudi Arabia in their tournament opener on Tuesday.
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